Sewing My Fingers Together

Sugar Skull Winter Mask Pattern

Sugar Skull Winter Mask
by Kourtney Moon

 I initially wanted to make this piece because I NEEDED to keep my face warm in the cold months whilst riding on my bicycle. I also wanted to think of an additional way of helping crazy drivers notice little ol me and not run me over, because lights and reflective fabric just don't seem to be enough. Also, this is the first time I am sharing this pattern and I have not replicated it following this pattern, so there may be some kinks to be worked out.. hopefully not! That's also why I made it available for free. I'll try to answer any questions that come in. I have directed all comments to come straight to my email now.

Size: To fit an average sized adult’s noggin.

Gauge:

2 rows - 1”
3 stitches - 1”

Materials:

• J hook (6mm)

• Stitch markers

• 1 skein worsted weight yarn in colors:
black, white, pink

• 1 sheet of felt in each colors:
black blue, pink, red

• Sewing needle and thread in colors:
black, blue, orange, pink, red, yellow

*colors for felt and thread can vary if you take creative liberty- which i greatly encourage- and design your own appliques.

Abbreviations/Special stitches:

• CH- chain
• SS- slip stitch
• SC- single crochet
• DC- double crochet
• TR- treble
• DTR- double treble
• DTR TOG- double treble together
• ST(S)- stitches
• PM- place marker

Colors are assigned as follows:

• Color A- white
• Color B- black
• Color C- pink
• Color D- red
• Color E- orange
• Color F- yellow

The mask is started from the top of the head and increases are worked over the crown.

With Color A CH4 and join with a slip stitch to work in the round. CH3, 15DC into the ring.

Round 1- 2DC into top of ch3, PM to establish beginning of round.

Work increases as follows:

*1DC into next st, 2DC into next st*; repeat from * 7 times. (23 sts)

Round 2- *1DC into next st, 2DC into next st*; repeat from * 10 times ending with 1DC in last st. (34 sts)

Round 3- 1DC into next st, *2DC into next st, 1DC into each of next 2 sts*; repeat from * 10 times (45 sts)

Round 4- (Continue with same repeat at beginning of round) 2DC into next st, 1DC into each of next 2 sts*; repeat 14 times. (60 sts)

Rounds 5 - 10: work evenly around.

Round 11- PM, *1SC into each of next 7 sts, PM, (this marks the first eye hole), 1DC into each of next 4 sts, PM, 1SC into each of next 7 sts, PM. Work remainder of round in DC.

Round 12- CH3, turn work; work evenly across back of hat to marker.

Round 13- CH3, turn work; work evenly across back of hat back to the other marker.

Leave this row for now and join a new piece of yarn to work the space between the eyes. Join a new piece of yarn at the top of the first dc (of four) and CH 3; 1DC into each of next 3 sts; cut yarn.

Round 14- Return to the live row and CH7, 1DC into top of ch3 (between the eyes) 1DC into each of next 3 sts, CH7. 1DC into top of next ch3, *1DC into next st*; repeat from * to marker at first eye hole. Work 1DC in each ch across (7 sts), 1DC into next 4 sts, 1DC in each ch across (7 sts). 1DC into top of ch3, 1DC in each of next 10 sts, 1SC into each of next 6 sts, 1SS, cut yarn.
From this point on, the rest of the mask will be worked flat, back and forth and no longer in the round. Fold piece in half, making sure to line the eyeholes together. Establish the very center of the stitches at back of the mask. There should be 6. Count three on either side, and PM at each end; DO NOT WORK OVER THESE 6 STS. Join color B in the very next stitch.

Row 15- CH3, 1DC in each of next 9 sts across (10 sts in black total). Switch to color A and work 1DC into each of next 32 sts across. Switch back to color B and work 1DC into each of next 10 sts.

Row 16- CH3, turn. Work the same as previous row.

Row 17- CH3, turn. 1DC in each of next 10 sts across (11 sts in black total). Switch to color A and work 1DC into each of next 30 sts across. Switch back to color B and work 1DC into each of next 11 sts.

Row 18- CH3, turn. 1DC in each of next 11 sts across (12 sts in black total). Switch to color A and work 1DC into each of next 28 sts across. Switch back to color B and work 1DC into each of next 12 sts.

Row 19- CH3, turn. 1DC in each of next 12 sts across (13 sts in black total). Switch to color A and work 1DC into each of next 26 sts across. Switch back to color B and work 1DC into each of next 13 sts.

Row 20- CH3, turn. 1DC in each of next 13 sts across (14 sts in black total). Switch to color A and work 1DC into each of next 24 sts across. Switch back to color B and work 1DC into each of next 14 sts.

Row 21- CH3, turn. 1DC in each of next 14 sts across (15 sts in black total). Switch to color A and work *1DC into each of next 2 sts, skip 1 st, 1DC into each of next 3 sts, skip 1, 1DC into next 2 sts, skip 1 (3 times), 1DC into each of next 3 sts, skip 1, 1DC in each of next 2 sts. Switch back to color B and work 1DC into each of next 15 sts.

Row 22- CH3, turn. Work an even row of DC across.

Row 23- CH3m turn. 1 DC in each of next 17 sts; 1SC in each of next 10 sts; 1 DC in each of next 18 sts. Skip the next 10 sts (10 sc) and work 1DC into the next dc, 1DC in each of next 17 sts.

Row 24- CH3, turn. Work DC evenly across; cut yarn.

Row 25- Count 10 sts in from the end; join a new piece of yarn in (same color b) and CH3, 1DC in each of next 15 sts; cut yarn and tie off.
Weave the space under the chin where the 10 sts were skipped closed with a new piece of yarn and a crochet hook. Tie off.

Spinal Column

Row 1: Join color C at the bottom corner of one of the flap openings in the back of the neck of the mask. CH1, and 1SC along the edge around the post of each dc stitch. (10 sts)
(diagram here)
When you reach the top at the white part of yarn (bottom of skull), skip the first st, 1SC into the next st, skip 1, 1SC into each of next 2 sts, skip 1, and continue down the other edge for 11 sts.

Row 2: CH1 turn; 1 SC in each of next 9 sts, skip 1, 1SC in each of next 11 sts; tie off and weave in the end.
Before continuing on to embellish the mask, with color B, join a new piece of yarn to one end along the very bottom of the mask and work 1SC evenly into the top of each st to the end; tie off and weave in the end.

Draw String

CH76 sts, 1SC into second ch from hook; work 1SC in each chain to end, weave in end. Starting at the top of the column (at the bottom of the skull) lace the draw string through the top of every other sc as if to thread shoe string.

Mouth

Lay the mask down flat facing you, and starting where the black switches to white, count 4 rows up. Along the top of row 4 (which is also the bottom of row 5) crochet a chain clear across the face of the mask to create the mouth, starting where the black meets the white.

With the same type of stitch, chain vertical lines, roughly 1.5” long and about 3/4” apart (roughly two sts across) for as many teeth as you like, or the standard 32, consisting of 16 on top and 16 on the bottom, folks.

Appliques

Cut out the appliques and pin them to the mask, next sew them on with with matching needle and thread in a blanket stitch. You can follow the shapes I used for the mask here, or experiment with your own ideas. For the back of the head, I cut out a large flore from the colors red orange and yellow to make a marigold, but you can make a variety of smaller flowers or shapes if you'd like. The advantage to this being a crocheted piece is that there is not as much elasticity in the crocheted fabric (as opposed to knit), so it's very forgiving when sewing on the appliques.

Puppy Rocket Pack Pattern for FREE!

Puppy Rocket Pack Pattern Assembly GO!

*CREATED FOR small BREEDS

First we gotta start with the knitting part of it. I used black yarn because my pups are black, so you can choose according to the color of your doggy's fur, or have fun with it.

1 Skein of any Bulky/Chunky Weight yarn

10½ U.S. (6.5 mm) needles

Gauge:
14 sts x 18 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)

Loosely CO 27 sts.

rows 1-4: 1x1 rib

rows 5-6: k to end.

row 7: k3, BO 3 sts, k15, BO 3 sts, k3

row 8: k3, m3, k15, m3, k3

rows 9-14: k to end.

rows 15- 18: 1x1 rib, BO loosely.

Now we will create the rockets.

You will need:

1 sheet of felt for each color: grey, black, blue, red, orange and yellow

1 needle

sewing thread in the colors grey and blue

scissors

fabric glue

cotton for stuffing

First cut out the pieces to the measurements provided in the image below. You will need two pieces of each cut out.

Apply fabric glue at the base of the yellow flames and lay the orange flames on top. Next, apply fabric glue at the base of the orange flames and gently lay the red flames on top. Repeat for the next set of flames and set aside to dry.

When the flames are dry, you will attach them to the bottom of the grey pieces, matching the dimensions, naturally... Use the needle and grey thread to assemble the top of the flames to the bottom of the grey felt, being sure to place the grey OVER the flames. Work from one end to the other in a blanket stitch.

Once you have connected the two pieces, bring the sides together to create the cylindrical shape.

Continue using the blanket stitch technique to sew the edges together.

Attach one of the grey circles to the top of your rocket and sew its edge along the top edge of the cylinder you just created. Secure and tie off the thread.

Then take the cotton, a little at a time, and stuff it into the rocket through the bottom where the flames open.

Finally, take the fabric glue and apply a generous amount to one side of a blue felt circle. Then place the circle over the opening of the rocket in the middle of the flames to close off the other side of the rocket. Set aside to dry. With the needle and the blue thread, reinforce the closure by sewing the edge of the circle to the flames using the blanket stitch. Tie off. You have just finished assembling your first rocket! Don't get lazy on me, finish the second one, there's still more work to do.

I found it easiest to pin the rockets on the top of the knitted piece before I attached it. There is quite a bit of movement when trying to sew them on. Overlap your stitches as much as possible, and if you feel more comfortable with using a thicker gauge of thread to do the work, don't hesitate. While there won't be much pulling going on when they're being worn, if there is any crazy play between animals, rockets can get chewed on. Be sure you fasten them tightly and securely.

To add another use to the jet packs (besides the OBVIOUS), try using them as harnesses! All I did to make them more utilitarian was to chain a loop for the leash to clasp onto in between the two rockets.

All she needs is a pair of goggles!

*I added the little blue stripes later, just having fun with the design. You could also use fabric paint and make little emblems or letters for their initials, or even some super fancy embroidery.

 

I Promised Jet Packs

The newest additions to the family include the tiniest yet: Charlie and Apollo. They're soooo tiny that they only fit in kitten collars at the moment. Instead of spending 20 bucks each on puppy harnesses that are a.) too big and b.) not cute at all, I decided to knit harnesses myself for them when we go for walks. I initially tried attaching the leashes to their collars, but they just snap open every time they tug on the leash.

I was telling my son about the newest project for the puppies and how I couldn't think of a way to make the harnesses NOT look like lame puppy sweaters... That we needed to come up with something like stegosaurus spikes to sew in the back or something. While he's a boy and loves dinosaurs, he wasn't sold. He said, "MOM! You should make little jet packs to sew onto their harnesses!"

I immediately saw it in my head and couldn't believe how simple it would actually be. "You're a genius, kid."

Only 27 sts, 20 rows, felt, stuffing  and a some old fashioned needle & thread magic and this is what we got. I can't wait for the next night out on the town. They already get all kinds of attention in public, but people just might have cutie time strokes as soon as they see these little poop monsters geared up.

Ninja Time Mishap

Jean Eude had a date with destiny last week as Sebe tossed him around the living room with Ninja Flo Monkey. After a rather swift kick to the face from N.F.M. (complete with sound effects and slo-mo replays), Jean Eude went down for the  count, and things weren't quite right when he came to...

Devastating.

I couldn't bring myself to simply (well, not THAT simply) replace the missing eyeball, and since Sebe isn't here as much as I'd prefer, I wanted Jean Eude's little battle scar to remain unchanged. Sebe and I came up with a better plan... 

 

Lookin' mighty fine if you ask me!

 

*Jean Eude also wanted me to stress to the mujeres that his chorizo was not harmed in said mishap, and is in fact in working condition.

 

I'm Obsessed with Monkeys

My father is a monkey. My son is a monkey. My ex husband is a monkey. My newest love is a monkey. I can't escape them, so I have decided to join them. 

While Sebe and I were at Half Price books yesterday looking for a manual for my "new" '74 VW beetle, we found a plethora of flip monkeys adorning a corner of the children's books section. That's when I found Jean-Eude... the most peculiar flip monkey I had ever met. He was special.

He wasn't a fuzzy brown, or a bright shade o' red, nor did he contain a device within his bowels that made him screech or squeak (which is always a bonus). He was smooth and fleshy with white hair from the top of his head to his chinny chin-chin. He was practically human. 

I have taken to collecting monkeys to give to my boyfriend in France, and since Sebastian wasn't at all interested in this little bugger, this purchase was going to be a romantic gesture. Because of this, I had to make Jean-Eude even MORE unique, set him apart from all the other flip monkeys I've ever met, so it came down to a serious and bold move. I HAD to operate.

Now, I SHOULD be working on something like... patterns, or cleaning the rest of my house, or studying, but with A.D.D., it's difficult not to get side-tracked by activities that promise a spankin' good time.

Meet Jean-Eude...

This is what he looked like before his transformation.. Observe the beady- but cute- eyes. I wanted him to take after my Frenchie, so they had to change. Now his peepers are big and beautiful... the color of Neptune.

Jean-Eude was very pleased with this improvement, and told me how much easier it was for him to surf the web with eyes like Florent's...

But that's not all folks... After a long and arduous operation filled with blood, sweat and tears, I am proud to introduce to you the new and improved monkey man, Jean-Eude the full time LOVE MACHINE!!!

Oh yes, ladies... it's true and he AIN'T afraid to show it.

*Penile operation performed by a professional crafter, DO NOT try this at home...*

"Mesdames, voudriez vous MA SAUCISSE?"

I Do Apologize for the Blog Silence..

There was this transitional thing going on, and when you spend the better part of 6 months living in boxes that are sequestered in opposing areas of the city with no proper form of transportation, things can get a little... trying. So, needless to say, I didn't get much of an opportunity over the winter break to produce anything fantastic or post anything related to yarn and one's obsession with it.

Two things before my website can really do the neato thing that it needs to do:

I need all my pieces photographed and the patterns laid out and in PDF form. I am getting a very nice camera at the end of this month, so I'll be able to take proper photos of my pieces and plug them into the patterns.. THEN they will be available on my website.

For anyone inquiring about finished pieces, here's the scoop:

I knitted finished pieces and sold them for, God... 8 years?! I'm getting old... ANYWAY, I digress...

I found that it's not lucrative for me to sell finished pieces, unless I charge a large sum of money. I realize there is a demographic out there for this, but it is not consistent enough. Not to mention knitting the same thing over and over and over again makes me a llittle crazy. The cost of materials alone is enough to make anyone utter the forbidden words, "Um, like... I can TOTALLY buy that at walmart for two bucks, fool." 

I understand this. I am a one woman sweatshop. Also, my left wrist has been giving me serious problems these days, so knitting goes much slower and a is actually a bit painful now. It takes me roughly a week  to finish smaller pieces, and if I devote my complete time and energy to one, I can do it in a few days... but that's if I don't feed my son, my dog or myself, and foil goes up on the windows and marathons of arrested development and party down  ensue. As exciting as ice cream and ramen for a week straight sounds, it's not a pretty sight when I open the front door for the first time in days to let the sunshine in.

This is why I am taking the opportunity to encourage people to pick up the valuable skill of yarnin'. I can share my wealth of knowledge with folks by making my patterns available on my website. It's less expensive for the purchaser, and when one finishes a piece, they can confidently say, "I MADE THIS!" Listen people- ladies AND gents- it could get you laid... just think about it, ok?

SMOKIN' HOT.

 

i wanna do something like this!

knitty music video

Fox Trot Hoodie



I am obsessed with hoodies and beanies and gloves, so it was about time I made my own hoodie... but of course, it should never be as simple as that. 

I wanted to make myself a fox beanie like the one I made for my son, but I always end up giving (or selling) everything. This was the first project I ever made for myself.. and I feel absolutely awful about it. :)

I had only made a REAL garment once before, so having some frame of reference was necessary. I found a hoodie pattern called "Reverse Stripe Hoodie" in the Fall 2006 issue of Vogue Knitting's KNIT.1 I ended up altering it so much that the only thing I really stayed true to was the number of stitches on my needle at CO and BO of every piece. I changed it to stockinette on the flipside, worked some intarsia for the belly, fair isle for the sleeves, and ended up making it a little more shaped to my body than what the pattern instructed. AND OF COURSE... 

added ears!!

Since I have had so many inquiries on it, I will get around to remaking it to write up the pattern to share with my fellow knitting/crocheting fools out there, but I don't plan to stop at the Fox Trot.. I've also been itching to make a Panda. 

*love*

http://youtu.be/UvTZwhOHYVA

My Adaptation of the February Lady Sweater

As Pamela Wynne so eloquently put it:

"A swingy lace cardigan, made to fit a grown-ass woman, lovingly based on Elizabeth Zimmermann’s classic “Baby Sweater on Two Needles,” from Knitter’s Almanac."

So, I lovingly based my Summer Top on her pattern increases from zimmerman's piece and completely went in another direction.. and opted to leave it sleeveless.

I put this down for exactly three weeks because real life was knocking on the door. When I picked it up, I thought I would have a difficult time remembering where the pattern was, but I only ended up having to frog a row to get back on track. Woops.

I bought ten balls, it was on sale, just in case I needed more. I ended up not knitting long sleeves, so it turns out 5 balls EXACTLY. I have enough to make another if I want! eeeee!!! So, I started the lace pattern but wasn’t feeling it, so I ventured off into bobble and cable land and ended up finding a couple of stitch patterns that I loved in the Knitting Bible Stitch Collection by Maria Parry-Jones. First attempt at bobbles (not as difficult as I imagined) and I had to flip the cable pattern to work it upside down. I plan to turn the cable panel into owl heads stacked ontop of each other.. beads or buttons? I’m not there yet.

This was not my color of choice, so I most likely will end up dying it or bleaching it to a lighter color. I’m thinking cotton shows even the slightest changed in tension, so probably not the best fiber for ME to use when attempting bobbles and working cables, but I’m loving every minute of it!

I only stayed true to the garter portion of the February pattern, with the increases at the stitch markers. A few notes as to the increasing to match the stitch patterns:

Knitted a size small, the gauge is a bit smaller, but I wanted it that way. I decreased to 251 stitches instead of 252, and divided them up like so:

+9(28)( 5 1 )( 7 5 )( 5 1 )(28)+9

9 in garter 
28 for panel 
51 for sleeves 
75 for the body

cable panel- multiple of 25 +1 (I added a stitch on either side of the panel.) 
bobble pattern- multiple of 12 +3

Tweaking the math was the big challenge for me since I’m a numb skull, but taking sizing and all that into consideration was part of it. Not to mention, it’s cotton, so it’ll drape different from most of the wooly pictures I’ve seen.

Bleached it last night and wasn’t able to get all the color out of some of the bobbles and creases in the cables.

As much as I LOOOOVED it white, I ended up dying it burgundy today, and I can’t wait to see how it looks dry. Now if I can only hold off the antisipation of adding buttons.

agony agony agony!!

I DID IT!!!! IT'S DRY!! I LOVE THE COLOR THE BESTEST FOREVER.

I am now in the process of sewing the beads onto the cable panel to create owl faces.. I have 8 sewn on and there are 11 faces in each panel, but sewing the eyes on was surprisingly quick.

Scandalous.